See Corey Run: A Fitness & Nutrition Journal

Monday, October 10, 2011

2 A New Literary Partnership

I'm excited to announce that I've recently joined forces with friend and athlete, Mauricio Sanchez, as a contributing writer for his wonderful website, Triathlon at 55, on the topics of sports and general nutrition for the endurance athlete. Here, Mauricio offers information relevant to the sports of running and triathloning, as well as his own personal reflections of his experiences, including his journey to become an Ironman competitor. At last count, he's completed one Ironman 140.6, two Ironman 70.3's, one Ironman 69.1 (the swim had been cancelled), three marathons, numerous half marathons, and countless short distance triathlons. And on top of that, Mauricio first began his training at the age of 52, having completed all of aforementioned events in the span of only 3 years. That's quite an impressive list of achievements in such a short amount of time, particularly for someone who'd progressively ramped up to 140.6 from scratch without any prior training. He's certainly been an inspiration to others, and through the formidable efforts of his fitness journey, proves the point that it's never too late to start exercising. :)

Mauricio's site is well-written, insightful, and inspirational. He has a straightforward and easy-going writing style, which makes his posts a pleasure to read. It's no wonder people are flocking to his site. :)

Here's Mauricio on his Steelhead bike,
looking very focused and determined.

His latest post there is entitled, "About Being Fit vs. Being Healthy," which is written from the vantage point of personal experience, and touches upon some key points regarding the way in which we athletes regard our own health and fitness, particularly with respect to bridging the disconnect that is sometimes created between the two. In this article, he posits that a fit runner can still be unhealthy, and through his own story, illustrates how this situation can be reversed. He also raises pertinent questions that certainly merit attention as well as further examination. :) After all, what is fitness without health? In order to maximize our fitness potential and lead a long and fulfilling life, taking care of our own health has got to be part of the equation. The quality efforts we put into our workouts must be part of our own larger efforts to obtain long-term wellness, which inevitably will lead to an overall higher quality of life.

And of course, a major factor influencing both athletic performance and overall, long-term health is nutrition. :) The everyday choices we make about our food can, quite literally, change the course of our lives. By making a concerted effort to eat better and also educate ourselves about food and nutrition, we are stacking the cards in our favor in so many different ways. Food doesn't just affect our physical being, in terms of our physiology and biochemical makeup, it can also affect our moods, mental acuity, and overall cognitive abilities as well. Of course, exercise also has a significant impact upon these areas as well. Both good nutrition and regular exercise can be utilized as powerful preventative health measures, promoting healthy organ function, increasing longevity, and protecting the body from disease and signs of aging. And when both are practiced regularly in conjunction with one another, the benefits to one's health and fitness levels are even greater. This is clearly the most effective way to net significant positive change.

Mauricio and I clearly share the same philosophy on the above issues, and so, for this reason, as well as many others, it would appear that our online collaboration is going to be an excellent fit on many different levels. As they say, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and that applies to shared knowledge as well. :) The opportunity to exchange ideas with Mauricio and his readers is an exciting prospect, as we will all hopefully grow from the experience of coming together and collectively sharing our experiences and knowledge. :)

In addition to offering nutrition tips and information for endurance athletes on this site, I'll also be posting easy-to-prepare recipes incorporating easy-to-find ingredients there, as well as general healthy meal and snack ideas, to help out the average endurance-training Joe or Josephina. :) In other words, life is busy enough, but it's typically even more of a challenge for endurance athletes, because training (and all of the planning and preparing for the training itself!) can take up a lot of time. And let's face it, time for most of us is already at a premium. Fitting in everything else around our training and work schedules can sometimes be a challenge; and so, the point of my articles there will be to provide useful, time-saving suggestions for endurance athletes to help make it easier for them to cook and eat healthfully, and all the while, achieve this without spending too much time in the kitchen. :)

I'd like to encourage you to visit Mauricio's website so you can get a better sense of his background and perspective, in order to see what his site is all about. To learn more about Mauricio and his athletic endeavors, please visit the "About Me" section (i.e., tab) of his site. Mauricio's also got a Facebook page for his website, which goes by the name of Mauricio's Triathlon / Running Blog. Feel free to "like" his page. He's just recently created it, so it'd be great if you could lend him your support. Thanks so much!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

1 Thank You For the Mention!

Just a quick post to say thank you to MSN Degree for listing See Corey Run as #5 on their "50 Top Blogs for Marathoners" list. I really appreciate the mention!

I see lots of friends on this list as well: Steve Runner of Pheppidations, Ann Brennan of Ann's Running Commentary, and Tim Wilson of 26.2 Quest, et al, as well as well-known luminaries like Dean Karnazes (Dean's Blog), Coach Jenny Hadfield (Active Expert: Coach Jenny Hadfield & Ask Coach Jenny), and popular blogs like RW's Daily and the like. Wow, thank you. It's great to be in such good company. :)

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

0 Race Training Strategies: Why Basic Readiness is Only the Beginning

When it comes to race training, I believe that a runner can never be too well-prepared. :) To race your best, your body and mind need to be in peak condition, and that takes a carefully constructed, well thought-out, long-range plan. Conversely, a person who races without proper preparation, no matter what the distance, is simply courting folly. Underprepare and you're just asking for it. It's almost as if karma's just winding up its baseball bat to smack you right in the tush. :) You can't hurry along your race training either, or you're bound to find injury along the way.

Even if you are going to race a 5K distance, you still need to put in the adequate time to prepare. Sure, if you've already racked up a significant amount of weekly and daily mileage that well exceeds the 5K distance and includes regular speedwork sessions, then sure, a 5K race will clearly require less prep time because you've already been continuously preparing. :)

Sure, we've all heard people say, "Yeah, but it's only a 5K. It'll be a piece of cake." Yeah, sure you might be able to easily cover the distance, but is that your only goal? ;) Underestimation and ego are the two prideful underminers that'll getcha every time. So if you want to do your best, please kindly tell them to take a hike. :) In terms of pacing, a 5K is nothing to sniff at. Since it's such a quick race, it can actually be one of the more challenging distances to pace, believe it or not.

Also, I don't subscribe to the philosophy that it's somehow OK to barely give oneself enough time to get up to the racing distance before entering a race. Is that really wise?! I don't know about you, but I want to be able to comfortably cover the distance (or get very near to it, if it's a marathon distance) before racing it. Plus, as all experienced runners surely already know, it takes time to build stamina and speed, and this means you've got to have enough time to fit in runs of varying lengths and types -- speedwork intervals on the track, hillwork, tempo runs, long slow distance (i.e., recovery runs), etc. -- into your regular training regimen. Bluntly put, the level of focus and effort that runners put into maintaining a diverse and comprehensive training regimen is the difference between casual runners and those who take their training more seriously. :)

Regardless of one's attitude towards one's training, why add unnecessary time pressure? Isn't it better to give yourself some options and breathing room in case things don't go as planned? You never know what's going to happen in the several weeks of training leading up to the race. So, if you need to regroup or change course, it's good to have the extra time to do so. If you keep your race training timeline realistic and give yourself this extra wiggle room, it's basically the equivalent of building "release valves" into your training. This way, you'll be more likely to avoid overtraining, not to mention that it'll also be a heck of a lot easier to stay motivated and on track with your training program. As runners, our minds and bodies generally tend to respond better (and adapt more readily) to a training program's long-term parameters when we've set a challenging but flexible course.

Want to prime your body for optimal racing performance? Then stack the cards in your favor by doing all of the obvious things that you know will lead to success: For starters, fuel and hydrate properly at the correct times and in the proper amounts and ratios. Get enough sleep and give your body adequate time for rest and recovery. Diversify your training runs and cross-train (i.e., cycling, swimming, hiking, yoga, strength training), etc., etc. Keep up on the latest news and research to stay in the loop, learn new tips and techniques, and get the most out of your training. And when it comes to planning your "training timeline," give yourself adequate time to train, not only to reach the racing distance, but to exceed it. Of course, I'm not suggesting that you run 26.2+ miles as your long run in order to prepare for a marathon. Unless you're an ultrarunner who regularly runs 26.2 miles as a training distance for 50Ks and up, I wouldn't recommend this tactic for racing distances over 13.1 miles. :)

However, for 5K and 10K races, this "double-distance" training methodology for your long runs is certainly a feasible strategy. Of course, this mileage building is done gradually, over an extended period of time. For 5K and 10K races, I'll typically make sure that I can run twice that distance before I race it. And when I do 10-milers and half marathons, I've been known to prepare by running up to 16 miles for my long runs. When I've done these types of long runs in combination with other kinds of workouts (hillwork, speedwork, tempo runs, lifting, core work, etc.), it really makes a HUGE difference in my performance. Of course, none of this is really all that surprising. A runner who works out in a more comprehensive fashion -- i.e., in a way that specifically addresses both stamina and speed and also simulates racing conditions (weather acclimation, etc.) -- is clearly going to be better prepared when race day rolls around.

I know there are a few coaches who might think that it's unnecessary to exceed the racing distance in one's training (within reason), but based on my findings, (which include discussions with other running coaches on this topic), it seems there are many more running coaches who agree with my approach/training philosophy than disagree with it. And to be honest, I'm not so concerned about consensus because the results speak for themselves. :)

It's fairly logical reasoning if you think about it: If you get to the point where you can run a 10K at a decent clip, then you should be able to run a 5K a whole lot faster. Pace prediction calculators follow the same exact logic. Of course, the actual results also depend greatly upon the diversity of one's training. When the body is continually tested with varied workouts, so that the muscles, heart, and mind don't have time to get too comfortable (i.e., complacent), the body's physical conditioning is bound to improve. :) Of course rest and recovery are essential to this process as well, and alternating effort with rest is really the only way to go if you want to proceed safely and still improve.

There's also an often overlooked psychological benefit to this approach as well; when we're well prepared, we feel more confident about our racing capabilities and that lends itself to the same mental outlook on race day as well. After all, our racing day mindset is heavily influenced by everything we've done to prepare up until the moment the starting gun goes off.

Friday, July 22, 2011

4 The Car: A Runner's Mobile Preparedness Unit :)

Can we say "hot"?! Phew! It's certainly been a heatwave lately. In fact, I write this, it's just reached 100°F here in DC, with a heat index of 115°F!

Of course, as the mercury keeps rising, it becomes all the more important to be prepared for summer running. And what better way than to properly stock your car with essential items and turn it into a "mobile preparedness" unit. :) Aside from equipping your car with all of the obvious general "survival" essentials -- umbrellas, a GPS unit, a first-aid kit and an emergency car repair kit containing jumper cables, tools, a funnel, a blanket, flares, and a spare tire, etc. -- there are a few items that we runners will most likely want to keep in our cars for those days when those merciless rays of sunshine begin to beat down upon us, threatening to melt us into a sizable puddle right there and then on the trail. ;) So, to help keep you cool, calm, and collected this summer, I thought I'd share some of my strategies with you so that you can adequately outfit your car for your summer running needs. :)

As everyone knows, on a hot day, the coolest part of a car is usually the trunk. That's why I keep my runner's "to-go" kit there. If I'm running in a park, I'll usually find the most shaded spot, i.e., under a tree or roof overhang, and then park my car underneath it. Next, I'll put my car window shades into place. When it's 103°F outside, every little bit of strategizing helps to keep your car as cool as possible. :)

As for the runner's "to-go" kit itself, I'd recommend drawing up a list and referring to it when you run out of an essential item and it's time to restock. And if you do this the right way, you'll be prepared for almost anything. After all, you don't need to be Boy Scout to understand the significance of their motto. ;) Just consider the consequences of the converse situation: "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail." And as we runners know, both short-term and long-term preparedness is especially important to ensure the success of our training efforts.

Of course, a lot of what we do to prepare not only happens in our day-to-day training, but also in our pre-run prep. For starters, if we're smart, we stay hydrated all day long, and eat nutritious balanced meals at regular intervals. Again, a day in the life of a runner is always about strategy, strategy, strategy.

Most runners lead busy lives and are on tight (and hopefully, well-coordinated!) schedules, so if we want to fit in our workouts, time is of the essence. We have to be time-conscious and prepare in advance; otherwise, we won't have enough time to accomplish our running (and life!) goals. And this also means that we typically only have a finite amount of time to get ready. Of course, a lot of what needs to be done isn't exactly rocket science. ;) It's easy enough to lay our running clothes out the night before, fill our water bottles and put them in the fridge, pack our keys, money, ID, and gels into our hydration belt, charge our iPods or Garmins, pack our gym bags, put together our race day bag, etc. It just takes a bit of forethought. And when it comes to "maracations" and local racing events, many of us also rely upon tried and true checklists to make sure we have everything we'll need before race day.

However, for as prepared as we runners tend to be, sometimes things don't go according to plan, and we need a backup plan. That's where a well-stocked car comes in handy. :) Those running-related items we've had the foresight to pack in our vehicles can be indispensable.

For example, take Exhibit A: Since it's getting hotter, many afternoon and evening runners have now become morning runners by necessity. (For many of us who fall into this category, this conversion is often painful and very often done begrudgingly. Haha!) And, if you're not exactly a morning person (like me!), then not only does it take more effort to be prepared and get out the door in a timely fashion (LOL!) but the sleepiness factor can often interfere with "normal brain operations." ;) In other words, it can easily induce a state of forgetfulness. Thankfully, I haven't had to resort to calling the locksmith after a run. Not yet anyhow. ;) (Fingers crossed!) Then's there are the physical effects: A sleepy "morning brain" often translates into a slow-moving body, and yes, sometimes even a little bit of klutziness. Hopefully, none of you have issues with walking into walls. ;)

Also, for us "morning runner converts," there's the issue of training our bodies to go to bed on time. In the interim phase of this "conversion," it's not uncommon for us to oversleep. Regardless of your preferred running time, you might've had the unnerving experience of forgetting to turn on your alarm clock the night before. ;) Of course, for all other seasons, sleeping in a little bit might be of little consequence. However, when summer rolls around, especially with the extreme summers we've been having here lately, then of course, that's an altogether different story. ;) Woe unto those of us who are forced to run outside in much hotter weather than we'd originally intended.

(Some people might say, "But what about running indoors?" Well, as for the dreadmill option, I'd personally rather propell myself forward with my own self-controlled "force field," versus getting sore joints from being pulled forward by a barely cushioned rolling belt with such unnatural, herky-jerky motions. Plus, dreadmills are mind-numbingly boring to run on, not to mention that they don't come packaged with natural scenery. ;) So, no thank you. It's outdoors or bust, baby! And anyhow, if you take the proper precautions and gradually acclimate yourself to the changes, the experience of running in the heat will most likely be an productive exercise, because if you keep at it, it will inevitably toughen you up. ;) After all, if you want to be ready to race in it, you've got to train in it, right?)

And in such extreme heat, even those of us who get up and run at the crack of dawn aren't necessarily guaranteed cooler running temperatures. Case in point: By 5 am today, it had already reached 82°F here!

And since we've got to get our run in for the day, bailing really isn't an option. And lately, neither is waiting for nightfall. Around here, it's still been in 90's after the sun goes down. Not to mention, there's the obvious security and safety issues that often go hand-in-hand with night running. So, morning it is, even if we oversleep a bit and have to pay a rather scorching price. ;)

So, as a result, now we'll need to "call in for reinforcements" to prepare for the hotter weather: more water, a running visor &/or sunglasses, sunscreen/sunblock, etc. The works. :) And that takes more time. Precious time that we might not have. So, not only do we now also have to even less time to workout, but we also have less time to prepare for our workouts. ;)

When this happens, we all know the drill: We go through the mental checklist. Do we have everything we need? And if not, do we have enough time to quickly do all of these things right now? ;) It's not long before we're frantically rushing around, assembling our running apparel, accessories and gear, and then rushing out the door. But then we start thinking, "Did I forget something?" ;)

Of course, rushing around often results in forgetting to bring necessary items with us for our runs. And sometimes we don't even realize we've forgotten something until we've already reached the trail. LOL. Things like our sunglasses or gels. Or, maybe we forgot to apply sunscreen/sunblock before we left the house. However, all of these scenarios can easily be fixed or prevented from happening in the future by using your car as your "backup" plan. :) The solution is simple: Keep spares of these all-important items in your car. :) On days when your life feels a bit more chaotic, a well-stocked car can become a runner's saving grace. Or put another way, car = survival mechanism. :)

Now consider Exhibit B. Yes, let's pretend that we're once again dealing with the results of another one of our potential screw-ups. Oops. ;) Well, OK, let's face it, no one is perfect. :-D Maybe we've hydrated or eaten too close to our run but there's no porta-potty in sight. ;) Or, as was the case a few days ago, the porta potty at the trailhead ran out of TP. Uh-oh. There was no way to predict that one. ;) Again, that one's easily fixable: Keep a roll of TP in your car. Then you can just tuck a few sheets into your pocket or hydration belt. Problem solved. :)

I could go on and mention a few more scenarios, but I think that, by now, you probably get the idea. ;) So now, as a fitting end to this post, I'd like to provide a list of some of these practical "backup" items and some related notes to help you better plan and organize various running necessities for your car:

For the trunk:
(1) Car organizer for your runner's "to-go" kit: This can be as simple as a cardboard box or a sturdy zippered nylon bag with multiple dividers or compartments. If you need to organize smaller items, shoe boxes and sturdy, structured plastic containers will also work.
(2) Roll of TP, preferably kept in a large resealable plastic bag to keep it sanitary. (A tissue box is also a must-have, but that can be kept in the general car interior for all-purpose use.)
(3) Roll of paper towels: If you eat a post-run banana, you might get some of that mush on your hands. ;)
(4) 24-pack of water bottles or gallon water jugs: That way, you'll never be without water, even post-run. Even with the 100°F days we've been having lately, I'm happy to report that the plastic water bottles currently being stashed away in the trunk of my car still haven't melted yet. So far, so good. ;)
(5) Pre-run energy snacks: For example, a banana and unsalted raw/organic almonds: If I'm in a rush and I haven't gotten the chance to eat something before running, I'll sometimes eat these before I run. Of course, I'm fully aware that it's not really ideal to eat less than 1 1/2 - 2 hours before a run, but if your energy is low, sometimes a "runner's gotta do what a runner's gotta do." ;) Also, I sometimes will grab these before I head out the door. The almonds don't upset my stomach, and the banana doesn't seem to cause cramping on the trail, at least not for me anyhow. Of course, do whatever works for you.
(6) Post-run recovery snacks: For example, a banana, which, as most runners already know, makes for a great post-run recovery food. It replenishes electrolytes (potassium), etc. Also, salted almonds are good for replenishing lost sodium after a run, helping to repair/develop muscle fibers, and sustaining one's energy and blood sugar level when coupled with carbs. This category would also include spare recovery gels/drinks as well. The heat might denature them in time, so probably best not to keep them in the trunk for an eternity. ;)
(7) A running-related tool for muscle relaxation/stretching &/or to relieve soreness, or pain: For example, "The Stick" or a foam roller. It's rather convenient to have this one in your car for obvious reasons. ;)
(8) Night gear: Mesh reflective vest or, (even better for the hot weather!), a reflective safety belt or strap(s), head lamp, infrared night vision goggles, etc. Just kidding about that last one. LOL.
(9) Necessary items for women: Elastic hairbands, emergency stash of feminine products, etc.
(10) Mini anti-chafing stick: Self-explanatory. Especially vital for pre-run prep on those days when you forget to apply it before leaving the house. ;)
(11) Towel: Use it to dry off or to keep your car seat clean. ;) After all, if it's really hot and you've turned into a complete sweat bucket, you might not want to perspire all over your car. ;)
(12) Post-run change of clothes: If it's really hot, and you don't want to get into your car with your clothes sticking to both you and the seat, a change of clothes is always nice to have on hand. Plus, if you forget #11, at least you won't mess up your car seat. ;)
(13) Pepper spray: I make a point of keeping mine in my hydration pack, but if you can't fit yours in there, you could also keep yours in your car until you're ready to hit the trail. I love the version I have, the Sptifire, which has a handy key ring and is miniaturized for personal use.
(14) Sunblock &/or sunscreen: Again, it's probably not a great idea to keep these items in the car for a lengthy period of time (due to denaturation caused by extreme outdoor heat and a relatively short shelf-life, i.e., 2 years), but they're great to have on hand if you should forget to apply before a run or need to reapply after your run.

For the glove box compartment:
(1) Scissors: You might need to open or cut through something, whether running-related or not. ;)
(2) Post-run, non-perishable recovery protein: My go-to snack is salted, roasted almonds (made without additives or oil): Almonds make an excellent recovery food. Plus, they contain Omega-3's. The protein helps rebuild muscle and of course, the salt is great for replacing lost sodium. I like to keep them in the glove box as opposed to the trunk because, when it's really hot outside, chances are, I'll soon be hopping into the car, cranking up the AC. :)
(3) Pain relief medicine: Because you never know when you'll need it. Examples: ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol tablets, etc. These items are frequently runners' go-to remedies. :) This way you can quell any dyspepsia, discomfort, or throbbing aches and pains now instead of waiting until you get home. ;) To save space, use a small pill dispenser.
(4) Spare pair of UV protection sunglasses and accompanying sports sunglass retainer: That way, you'll have an extra pair for running if you should forget to put them on before you leave the house. If your car is newer, chances are you might already have a separate compartment for storing these, which is even better than storing them in your glove box compartment or clipping them to your car's sun visor.

So, let's see: Did I miss anything? If you think I've left out any crucial "runner's auto essentials," or have some new and clever organizational ideas or tips to help outfit cars for runners, please let me know and I'll consider adding them to the above list.

Hope you find these ideas helpful!

Happy summer running! Stay safe and cool. :)

-Corey

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

2 Announcing The Rock It! Running Nutritional Plan

When you pull open a sports nutrition book, do you typically find a practical how-to guide with corresponding recipes? In my experience, usually not. :) Additionally, a lot of sports nutrition books I've read are frankly dry and sometimes read like a bio-chemistry textbook. For a runner's purpose, this is not typically what we really want in a sports nutrition book. Sure, if you're so inclined, it's great to understand the principles behind sports nutrition -- the "whys" of it all, explanations of ATP and its effects, and a long list of chemical compounds and nutrients contained in each food and their positive (or, in some cases, negative) effects on the body. Who knows, maybe you're naturally curious about this or are studying for a degree in biochem, (sports) nutrition, or exercise physiology. However, what most runners are really seeking are the practical applications of this knowledge, i.e., the hows. As in, how do I apply these principles to my daily life and diet?

Well, if you've been searching for a book that answers this question, you're in luck. :) In my upcoming cookbook for athletes, I will be providing exactly that. In the appendix section, I will be outlining practical guidelines for a runner's nutritional plan that is rich in the nutrients that we runners/endurance athletes need most. For example, as runners, we need to stay properly hydrated and eat foods and drink liquids that will be effective for recovery as well as keep our joints strong and our hearts, lungs, and muscles in top shape; and in the book, I will be listing foods that naturally provide the corresponding nutrients as part of our diet. As a logical follow-up, there will also be a practical schematic showing how to incorporate these foods into our daily diet, with corresponding recipes that fulfill these nutritional requirements.

I've called this nutritional plan the Rock It! Running Nutritional Plan, named after my running and wellness company. :-D

Yes, some of you know that I actually have a company focused on these initiatives, even though I've never really mentioned it here before, aside from placing one or two small and barely noticeable links on this blog. ;) Generally speaking, I've tried to keep the two entities/blogs separate, as this particular blog's primary purpose is to provide training and (sports) nutrition-related information. Of course, my cookbook IS a resource, like any other, and so that's why I'm mentioning it here, as I might mention any other books I think would be useful to the readers of this blog. :-D

Additionally, some of you might even know that I write books as part of my company's running and wellness initiative. :) As mentioned in the previous post, I've recently finished a chapter called "Fit Foods," which will be part of Brett Stewart's book, "7 Weeks to Ripped." Yes, that Brett Stewart. :) The one who wrote "7 Weeks to 50 Pull-ups." :-D

You'll notice that I don't use the word "diet" to describe my healthy eating program, but instead use the word "nutritional plan." That's because the connotation of the word "diet" is one with which I fundamentally disagree, as I'm not talking about a fool-hardy scheme to lose weight quickly. ;) My nutritional plan is a balanced and healthy nutritional plan focused on whole (i.e., unprocessed!) foods rich in nutrients and low in fat and refined sugar.

To my mind, the word "diet" has been perverted from its original (literal) meaning, i.e., the denotation, which, first and foremost, is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as either (a) food and drink regularly provided or consumed; (b) habitual nourishment; or (c) the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason. You'll note that these are the first THREE definitions, and that there's only ONE reference to diet as (d) a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight. And, at that it's the very last definition. Well, GOOD. It's the last and the least, and I'd love to see the word restored to its original meaning. :-D

My cookbook will, of course, only be addressing the first three. :) In so far as definition (c) is concerned, the book will provide meal plan examples for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.

I believe that a cookbook for runners has GOT to address the essential foods that benefit them the most in terms of athletic performance, nutritional value, and overall health. After all, we put a lot of effort into our training and pay careful attention to technique and strategy to get the most out of our sessions, so why shouldn't we do the same when it comes to the food that we eat?

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